Convertible infant care apparatus

ABSTRACT

An infant care apparatus convertible between a bassinet and changing table, including a carrier removable from a support frame for transporting an infant. The carrier is placed upon the frame for use as a bassinet. The frame also supports a changing table surface exposed for use with the carrier removed. The base of the frame includes retractable wheels and rockers. The frame is releasably securable to an adult bed for co-sleeping.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to an infant care apparatus, particularly to aninfant carrier supportable on a frame for use as a bassinet.

BACKGROUND

Many ideas have been advanced for how to reduce the sheer number ofpieces of equipment needed to care for infants. Many parents purchaseseveral items that are not used simultaneously but that neverthelessoccupy a significant amount of space in a nursery.

SUMMARY

Various aspects of the present invention feature an infant careapparatus having an infant carrier that can be placed on a supportingframe for use as an elevated bassinet, or used separately to transportan infant.

According to one aspect of the invention, an infant care apparatusincludes a structural frame defining spaced-apart rails at an upper endof the structural frame, and a carrier configured to be laterallyconstrained when placed between the rails. The carrier defines acompartment sized to accommodate an infant sleeping in the carrier whilesupported by the frame. The carrier is removable from the frame toexpose a changing table surface between the rails. The changing tablesurface is secured to the structural frame and disposed below thecarrier when the carrier is resting between the rails, with the railsextending above the changing table surface to form at least part of asafety rim above the changing table surface.

The apparatus preferably also includes a restraint secured to the frameand extending above the changing table surface for holding an infantduring changing.

In some embodiments, the carrier includes a carrier frame having wallmembers extending from an infant support member to an upper rim of thecarrier to define a receptacle for holding an infant, and a handleattached to the carrier frame. The handle is preferably pivotablebetween a carrying position in which the handle extends relativelyperpendicularly from the rim, and a stowed position in which the handleapproaches the rim.

In some cases the removable carrier also includes a battery-powereddevice, with the handle carrying a button electrically connected to thebattery-powered device for activation thereof. The battery-powereddevice may be a light mounted on the removable carrier, or an audiospeaker, as examples.

The carrier preferably includes a restraint disposed within thecompartment to secure an infant within the compartment while carrying.

In some configurations, the frame has a lower end configured for rockingthe apparatus upon a supporting floor. Preferably, the frame is alsosupported on wheels mounted on caster pivots. In some cases, the framehas retractable wheels selectively extendable for rolling of theapparatus upon a supporting floor. The wheels may be retractable toenable rocking of the apparatus upon the floor, for example.

In some instances, the frame is formed generally as a framework ofconnected, tubular steel members. Preferably, the frame is adjustable inheight.

In some cases, the carrier has an infant support surface with a head endselectively tiltable with respect to a foot end of the infant supportsurface, for inclining a torso of an infant placed on the supportingsurface.

Some versions of the apparatus also include means to releasably securethe apparatus adjacent a bed. For example, in some cases, the apparatusincludes an anchor insertable between a mattress and mattress support ofan adult bed, and at least one strap extending from the anchor. Thestrap preferably carries a releasable fastener for releasably securingthe apparatus to the adult bed. In some cases, multiple straps areincluded, each separately securable to or about respective portions ofthe apparatus. In some cases, the anchor comprises a restraint cushionof sufficient thickness that the mattress conforms about a contour ofthe cushion to hold the cushion in place. In some instances, the anchorcomprises a flat, flexible sheet of material insertable between themattress and mattress support and the flat pad and having a surface thatgenerates sufficient frictional resistance against the mattress toresist a pull-out force of at least 10 pounds.

In some embodiments, the spaced-apart rails of the frame are eachelevated above opposite sides of the safety rim. In some cases, thespaced-apart rails of the frame are disposed at opposite ends of theapparatus. Preferably, the spaced-apart rails define pockets at eitherend of the frame to receive and laterally restrain the carrier when thecarrier is placed between the rails. The spaced-apart rails may comprisetubular steel members, for example, and may be curved.

According to another aspect of the invention, an infant care apparatusincludes a changing table portion and a removable carrier. The changingtable portion includes a changing table frame with a receiving portiondefining an aperture in an upper region of the changing table frame, anda charging table surface of a size to accommodate an infant. Thechanging table surface is supported by the changing table frame andarranged within the aperture, sidewalls of the receiving portion risingabove an upper surface of the changing table surface. The removablecarrier is of an interior size to accommodate an infant and an exteriorsize to fit through the aperture so as to rest in an engaged position onthe receiving portion, such that placing the removable carrier in theengaged position configures the infant care apparatus as a bassinet andremoving the removable carrier from the engaged position exposes thechanging table surface for use as a changing table.

In some embodiments, the changing table frame includes a base having aplurality of rocking members oriented substantially perpendicular to alongitudinal axis of the changing table frame, and a plurality oflongitudinal members extending between the rocking members. The rockingmembers each have a lower surface together defining an arc forengagement with a floor supporting the infant care apparatus forrocking. In some cases, the rocking members each include a plurality ofwheels movable between a recessed position, in which the wheels arewithdrawn within the arc, and an extended position in which the wheelsare exposed beyond the arc for engagement against the floor. Preferably,the rocking members each further comprise a lock engagable to secure thewheels against movement between the recessed and extended positions.

In some cases, the changing table frame is adjustable to change a heightof the changing table surface with respect to the floor.

Preferably, the changing table surface includes a rigid planar membersupported by the changing table frame in a substantially horizontalposition. The changing table surface further may also include a pad witha non-absorbent upper surface overlying the planar member. Preferably,such a pad is detachable from the planar member for washing.

In some cases, the changing table surface is provides as part of a slingsuspended from and spanning a top portion of the changing table frame.Preferably, the sling has a non-absorbent upper surface and is removablefor washing.

In some embodiments, the removable carrier is collapsible between anexpanded position, in which the frame forms an upper rim spanning anopen receptacle for receiving an infant, and a collapsed position inwhich opposite sides of the rim are pivoted toward one another.Preferably, the carrier includes a lock operable to maintain the carrierin its expanded position, and releasable to fold the carrier to itscollapsed position.

Another aspect of the invention features a method of securing an infantbed to an adult bed. The method includes placing an anchor mat between amattress of the adult bed and a supporting surface on which the mattressrests, the anchor mat comprising a flexible sheet of material with anupper surface exposed for engagement against the mattress. The uppersurface of the mat is configured to generate frictional resistanceagainst the mattress to resist relative sliding of the mat against themattress, with the anchor mat being otherwise unsecured to the mattress.The method also includes releasably connecting the infant bed to theanchor mat.

In some embodiments the infant bed is releasably connected to the anchormat by releasable buckles secured to straps attached to the anchor mat.

In some cases the anchor mat is padded, the mattress conforming about athickness of the anchor mat.

In some other cases the anchor mat consists essentially of a flexiblesheet of material and two releasable straps secured to and extendingfrom an edge of the sheet of material.

Preferably, the anchor mat is sized to fit completely within an area ofa standard adult twin mattress, and is constructed to generatesufficient frictional resistance against the mattress to resist apull-out force of at least 10 pounds with the mattress unloaded.

Another aspect of the invention features an infant care apparatus havingan infant carrier defining therein a compartment sized to accommodate asleeping infant, and a structural frame configured to receive andsupport the infant carrier to form a bassinet, and to rock upon asupporting surface while supporting the carrier. The carrier includes arestraint securable about an infant within the compartment to retain theinfant as the carrier is carried, and a handle selectively retractablefrom a deployed position extending above and spanning a rim of thecarrier for carrying the carrier with an infant therein, to a retractedposition folded toward the carrier rim.

In some cases, the carrier includes a backrest selectively movablebetween an inclined position and a prone position.

In some embodiments, the frame includes an upper planar surface exposedfor use as a changing table surface with the carrier removed, the frameforming a rim extending above and about the planar surface.

The handle, in some configurations, is secured to opposite sides of thecarrier rim at respective pivots. Preferably, the pivots are locatednear centers of the opposite sides of the carrier rim, such that thehandle extends across a central region of the carrier in its deployedposition, for carrying of the carrier solely by the handle.

In some cases, the frame includes spaced-apart carrier restraints at itsupper end, the carrier being configured to engage the restraints toresist lateral movement when placed on the frame. Preferably, thecarrier restraints define pockets at either end of the frame, thepockets being sized to receive lower frame members of the carrier withthe carrier placed on the frame.

The infant care apparatus described below can provide many of thefunctions needed in the care of infants within the home, and is readilyand rapidly convertible between functional uses. Space is minimized byoverlapping the spatial volume needed for diaper changing (i.e., thespace above the changing table surface and between the safety rails) andthe spatial volume employed for containing the infant during sleeping(i.e., the space within the receptacle of the carrier), whilemaintaining the sleeping surface separate and distinct from the changingsurface. The frame enables both functions (changing and sleeping) to beperformed at a comfortable height and can be configured to both enablerocking while sleeping and stability during changing. Furthermore, thecarrier can be constructed for comfortably transporting and containinginfants far from the frame, the centrally-located handle enablingone-handed carrying by an adult.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth inthe accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features,objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thedescription and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an infant care apparatus configured as abassinet.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with thecarrier removed, in use as a changing table.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the carrier removed from the frame andresting upon a supporting surface.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective and side views, respectively, of theframe of an apparatus similar to that of FIG. 1 but with a differentwheel configuration, with the carrier removed.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are longitudinal cut-away and cross-section views,respectively, of the upper end of the apparatus configured as shown inFIG. 2A, the view of FIG. 3B being taken along line 3B-3B of FIG. 2A,with associated soft goods.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are end views of one side of the base of the apparatus,with wheels in deployed and recessed positions, respectively.

FIG. 5 is a cross-section of an end of one of the rockers of the base ofthe apparatus, with the wheel in a deployed position. FIG. 5A is anexploded perspective view of the rocker and wheel as shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of an alternative rocker endconfiguration. FIGS. 5C and 5D are side views of the configuration ofFIG. 5B, with the wheel assembly in retracted and extended positions,respectively.

FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of a height adjustment mechanism of one ofthe legs of the apparatus.

FIGS. 6B and 6C are perspective views of the pin release sleeve shown inFIG. 6A, as viewed from different sides.

FIGS. 6D and 6E are cross-sectional views taken along line 6D-6D in FIG.6A, during different stages of pin release.

FIG. 6F is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6F-6F in FIG. 6A.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective and side views, respectively, of theupper end of the changing table frame with the frame of the carriermounted thereon.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of the carrier frame with thepivotable handle extended and stowed, respectively.

FIG. 8C is a side view of the carrier frame in a collapsedconfiguration.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are side and longitudinal cross-sectional views of thecarrier, FIG. 9B being taken along line 9B-9B in FIG. 9B, with softgoods installed.

FIG. 10 illustrates the apparatus secured to an anchor mat to be placedunder the mattress of a bed, to secure the apparatus adjacent the bedfor co-sleeping.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating attachment to a bed usinga restraint cushion beneath the mattress.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the removable carrier on a stand.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an infant care apparatus 1 that can be configured for useas a changing table, a bassinet, an infant carrier, or a co-sleeper.This infant care apparatus 1 includes a changing table portion 4 and aremovable carrier 8. FIG. 1A shows the infant care apparatus with thecarrier removed, in use as a changing table. FIG. 1B shows the carrier 8removed from the frame and resting upon a supporting surface.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, changing table portion 4 has a changingtable frame 12 defining an aperture 14 in the upper region of thechanging table frame; a changing table cover 15 with a changing tablesurface 16, and a receiving portion 20. Changing table surface 16 issupported by changing table frame 12 and arranged within aperture 14.Changing table frame 12 also supports receiving portion 20. Changingtable frame 12 and receiving portion 20 define sidewalls 24 rising abovechanging table surface 16 to help prevent an infant from rolling fromchanging table surface 16.

Changing table frame 12 has a base 28 with two rocking members 32connected by two longitudinal members 36 that fix the relative locationof the two rocking members 32. The two rocking members are orientedsubstantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the changing tableframe. Each of the rocking members 32 has a lower surface 40 defining anarc for engagement with a floor supporting the infant care apparatusupon which an adult user can induce the frame to rock.

Although the rocking members 32 are primarily constructed of moldedplastic, the remainder of the changing table frame 12 is primarilyconstructed of tubular steel. The rocking members 32 include receivingsockets 50 and define leg holes 51. Leg members 52 are inserted throughleg holes 51 from the bottom so that the lower portions (not shown) ofleg members 52 are received within rocking members 32 while theremainders of the leg members 52 extend upward from rocking members 32as shown. The leg members 52 and the rocking members are then rivetedtogether and lower surface 40 is attached to the rocking members 32.Base 28 is assembled by inserting the two longitudinal members 36 intothe receiving sockets 50 thus providing a rectangular support structurefor the changing table fame 12. Changing table frame 12 is completed byinserting the upper ends of leg members 52 into the lower ends of sideframe members 54. The outer diameter of leg members 52 is chosen to besmaller than the inner diameter of side frame members 54 so that thiscan be accomplished. A bushing 58 is mounted on the both lower ends ofeach side frame member 54 in order to help protect leg members 52. Legmembers 52 are positioned transversely with side frame members 54positioned longitudinally so as to connect the two leg members 52.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show changing table cover 15 mounted on receivingportion 20 and side frame members 54 of changing table frame 12.Changing table cover 15 includes changing table surface 16, an uppersection 232 of quilted material, a lower skirt 236 depending from uppersection 232, securing straps 240, and securing loops 244. Stitching 248in upper section 232 defines a fabric channel 252. During initialconstruction of the infant care apparatus, the steel tubing of receivingportion 20 is inserted through fabric channel 252 and then mounted onchanging table frame 12 with screws or rivets. The portion of uppersection 232 outside of fabric channel 252 and lower skirt 236 drape downoutside the receiving portion 20. The portion of upper section 232inside of fabric channel 252 drapes down within receiving portion 20supporting changing table surface 16 in a position slightly below thehorizontal portion of side frame member 54. A planar member 256, such asa MASONITE sheet, is sewn into the fabric of changing table surface 16to provide support for the child. As shown in FIG. 3B, a cloth-coveredpad 260 overlies planar member 256 and is detachable for washing. Theupper surface of pad 260 is formed of a non-absorbent material tofacilitate washing the pad after use. In this example, the pad is athree-quarter inch foam mattress 260 with an inner vinyl cover 264 and aremovable outer cloth cover 268. The vinyl cover 264 may be heat sealedor stitched around the foam mattress.

Securing straps 240 and securing loops 244 are attached to the bottom ofchanging table cover 15 along the edges of planar member 256 to provideadditional support for planar member 256. During initial construction,securing straps 240 are extended over and around sidewalls 24, insertedthrough securing loops 244, and male and female snaps 272 are mated soas to attach securing straps 240 to securing loops 244.

In another embodiment (not shown), changing table cover 15 is providedwith sewn loops attached to the bottom of changing table cover 15 alongthe edges of planar member 256 rather than the strap-loop combinationdescribed above. The steel tubing of receiving portion 20 is insertedthrough these sewn loops before being mounted on changing table frame 12with screws or rivets. In this embodiment, upper section 232 does notinclude fabric channels but rather is fitted to receiving portion 20.

In another embodiment (not shown), changing table surface 16 is directlymounted to changing table frame 12. All of these embodiments wouldpreferably include a securable restraint (such as the releasable strap158 shown in FIG. 1A) secured to the changing table frame 12 to restrainan infant on the changing table surface 16.

The rocking members 32 each have two wheels 44. These wheels are movablebetween a recessed position in which the wheels 44 are withdrawn withinthe arc defined by the lower surface 40 of the rockers (as shown FIG.4A) and an extended position in which the wheels 44 are exposed beyondthe arc for engagement against the floor (as shown FIG. 4B). As shown inthe cross-section of FIG. 5 and the exploded view of FIG. 5A, each wheel44 is mounted on an axle 160 secured to a wheel housing 162 that ispivotably mounted to the rocker 32 to pivot about horizontal pin 164.Horizontal pin 164 is inserted through hole 165 in rocker 32. Rocker 32has a fulcrum 168 supporting a release lever 166. Release lever 166rests on fulcrum 168 and has a pin 169 that is disposed within recess171 in rocker 32 to maintain release lever 166 in position on fulcrum168. As end 170 of the lever is manually depressed, opposite end 172 ofthe lever rises, lifting pawl 174 from a slot defined in wheel housing162 to enable rotation of housing 162 about pin 164 to move the wheelbetween its retracted and extended positions. As shown in FIG. 5,housing 162 defines two slots 176, one for each of the discrete wheelpositions. When lever 166 is released, a spring 178 biases pawl 174against the wheel housing. A wheel lock lever 48 is mounted to wheelhousing 162 for rotation about pin 180. With lock lever 48 in thereleased position shown, the wheel 44 is free to rotate about its axle160. Rotating the free end of lock lever 48 downward engages surface 182against plunger 184, compressing spring 185 and forcing a projection 186of plunger 184 downward to engage peripheral teeth 187 disposed within agroove about wheel 44 to resist wheel rotation.

FIGS. 5B-5D show another wheel assembly embodiment, identical to that ofFIGS. 5 and 5A other than the addition of a retracting aperture cover250 that is mounted within the rocker to rotate about pin 252. Rotationof the wheel assembly to its retracted position (see FIG. 5C) displacescover 250 upward into the rocker. Upon extension of the wheel assemblyto its rolling position (see FIG. 5D), cover 250 rotates downward tofill the opening and provide a visual extension of the curvature of thearc defined by the lower rocking surface 40 of the rocker.

In another example, regular wheel casters (see FIG. 1A) are employed atthe four corners of the base of the frame, and can be configured forretraction for rocking. Casters provide the advantage of allowing freemovement of each wheel in any direction for rolling. In yet anotherembodiment (not shown), two non-pivoting wheels (as shown in FIG. 5) aredeployed at one end of the frame, and two retractable casters at theother end, to effect a ‘shopping-cart’ maneuverability.

Referring back to FIGS. 2A and 2B, frame 12 includes means for adjustingthe height ‘h’ of the changing table surface 16 above the floor. Uppervertical members 54 each define a plurality of holes 56 through which aspring-biased pin of the associated lower vertical member 52 can beextended to secure the relative length of the frame leg. Referring alsoto FIGS. 6A and 6F, pins 60 are mounted on finger springs 190 withinlower vertical members 52, such that they are biased outward through ahole in the lower vertical member. Those skilled in the art willrecognize other means of adjusting the height of the changing tableframe.

Spring-pin latches are notoriously difficult to release manually,particularly when multiple spring-pins must be depressed simultaneously.FIGS. 6A-6F also illustrate a useful spring pin release means. A pinrelease sleeve 64 is placed about each upper vertical member 54, and isfree to be slid along, or rotated about, the frame leg above sleeve stop68. To release a spring pin 60, the user slides sleeve 64 to above thepin (the pin passing through an open slot 66 on one side of the sleeve),then rotates the sleeve 180 degrees and slides the sleeve down onto thepin, with pin 60 received in a partial slot 220 (see FIGS. 6B and 6C) onthe opposite side of the sleeve, until the pin abuts stop surface 222 ofthe sleeve. The sleeve may rest on the pin in this position (as shown inFIG. 6D) when not in use. The user then rotates the sleeve 90 degrees(in a clockwise direction as shown in the figures), until the pin isdirectly under trigger 68, as shown in FIG. 6E. During this rotation,the pin slides along the inner surface of the sleeve, which forms a rampto press the pin inward. When the proper rotational position for pinrelease has been obtained (FIG. 6E), a convex projection 224 extendinginward from the distal end of trigger 68 snaps into hole 56 in the outerleg member, providing tactile feedback indicative of pin alignment andfurther depressing pin 60 sufficiently to clear the inner diameter ofthe outer leg member as the inner and outer leg members are subsequentlytelescoped to adjust the height of the apparatus as shown on FIG. 6F.Convex projection 224 can also be sized such that pin 60 remains engagedwith outer leg member until the user exerts a slight degree of pressureon trigger 68. The pin release sleeve 64 is can be formed as a singlepiece of molded plastic. Pins 60 with associated finger springs 190 areobtainable commercially as “Valco” pins.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the changing table portion 4 also has a skirt18 and a diaper case 22. Skirt 18 has a sewn loop (not shown) throughwhich outer portions of the receiving portion are inserted when theinfant care apparatus 1 is being assembled. Skirt 18 drapes down overreceiving portion 20 and the upper part of changing table frame 12 fromthis sewn loop. Diaper case 22 has fabric sidewalls that are sewn to apolyurethane sheet bottom, which is suspended from horizontal members 54(see also FIG. 2B) by nylon straps and associated slip buckles (notshown) that are adjustable to reflect adjustment of height ‘h’ of thechanging table surface 16. Similarly, nylon straps and cinch buckles maybe employed to secure corners of diaper case 22 to the vertical members52.

The removable carrier 8 is constructed with an interior size largeenough to accommodate an infant and an exterior size small enough to fitthrough the aperture at the upper end of the receiving portion of thechanging table frame, so as to rest in an engaged position on thechanging table surface. The infant care apparatus is configured as abassinet by placing the removable carrier in the engaged position shownin FIG. 1. Carrier 8 also has a securable infant restraint 198 (see FIG.1B) with releasable buckles 260 and a canopy 200 that can be extended toshade the infant. FIGS. 7A and 7B show the relative positions of framemembers of the changing table frame and carrier with the carrierinstalled for use as a bassinet. As shown, lower frame members 82 of thecarrier nest within pockets 196 formed within arched outer loop members194 of the receiving portion 20 of the changing table frame. Removal ofthe removable carrier 8 exposes the changing table surface as shown inFIGS. 3A and B. In the configuration shown, the frame of the carrierrests directly on the changing table surface. However, in some cases(not shown) the underside of either end of the carrier is configured torest directly upon the outer loop members 194 of the changing tableframe, such that the carrier is suspended over the changing tablesurface.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate the frame 78 of the removable carrier 8. Lowerframe members 82 and associated support struts 84 support an upper rim86 with U-shaped ends. An infant support surface 90 is normally sewninto a floor of a fabric liner that depends from rim 86 to contain andsupport the child, although the liner and other fabric materials are notshown in these views, in order to better illustrate the frame 78.Support 90 includes a head portion 90 a and a foot portion 90 b, eachseparately sewn into the carrier hammock, such that inclination of thehead portion 90 a can be affected by raising the associated end of thehammock, such as by an adjustable or selectively engageable hammocksupport strap 292 (FIG. 9B). Holes 212 through the head portion 90 a ofthe support enable threading of an adjustable strap carrying bucklehalves (not shown) for releasable engagement with mating buckle halvesof the infant restraint 198 (FIG. 1B). Carrier 8 also has a handle 94that is pivotable between a carrying position in which the handle 94extends relatively perpendicularly from the rim (see FIG. 8A) and astowed position in which the handle 94 approaches the rim (see FIG. 8B).Handle release buttons 102 are depressed to move the handle from thecarrying position to the stowed position but are not required whenmoving the handle from the stowed position to the carrying position. Thehandle of this removable carrier 8 has buttons 100 that operate a light96 and an audio system having a speaker (not shown). Light 96 and thespeaker are positioned on the inner part of handle 94 to facilitateelectrical connectivity. The contained audio system (not shown) playsany of a selected number of sounds or songs, for soothing an infant tosleep. Handle 94 can also be raised to a detent position approximatelyten degrees above the stowed position so as to position light 96 aboveobstructions.

Upper rim 86 comprises two U-shaped tubular steel rim halves 86 a and 86b that are pivotably attached to hubs 92 at their open ends, at pins202. Lower tubular frame members 82, which form a stable footing uponwhich the carrier may be placed, also pivotably and separately connectto hubs 92 at pins 204. Support struts 84 are pivotably connected tolower frame members 82 and to rim 86. As shown in FIG. 8C, thesepivotable connections allow a user to collapse both ends of the carrierframe separately toward the handle with the handle in its verticalposition, for transport or storage. To release each end of the carrierframe for rotation with respect to hubs 92, the user pulls lock tabs 206away from hubs 92, such that lock tabs disengage hub slots 208 andpermit the simultaneous rotation of both the associated rim half 86 andlower frame member 82 to be rotated upward toward the handle 94, whereat the fully rotated position the spring-biased lock tabs engage anotherpair of hub slots 208 to hold the associated half of the carrier framein its collapsed position. The operation is repeated for the other halfof the carrier, the resulting configuration shown in FIG. 8C. In thecollapsed position, the carrier may be carried by handle 94 and restedupon the lower ends of hubs 92. In the folded configuration shown, thecarrier frame has an overall width (lateral dimension shown in thefigure) of only about 220 millimeters, and a height (vertical dimensionshown in the figure) of only about 510 millimeters.

As shown in FIG. 1, removable carrier 8 also has a carrier hammock 210.Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, carrier cover 210 is similar to changingtable cover 15 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B) in having an upper section 276 ofquilted material and a lower skirt 280 depending from upper section 232.Stitching 284 in upper section 276 defines a fabric channel 288. Duringinitial construction of removable carrier 8, rim 86 is inserted throughfabric channel 288 prior to being assembled with hubs 92 and supportstruts 84. The portion of upper section 276 outside of fabric channel288 and lower skirt 280 drape down outside removable carrier 8. Acloth-covered pad 296 overlies the planar member and is detachable forwashing. In this example, the pad is a three-quarter inch foam mattress296 with an inner vinyl cover 300 and a removable outer cloth cover 304.The vinyl cover 300 may be heat sealed or stitched around the foammattress. A hook and loop region 308 is provided for attachment of thecanopy.

As discussed above, the infant care apparatus is configured as abassinet by placing the removable carrier 8 in the engaged positionshown in FIG. 1. In this configuration, the pivotable handle 94 will beplaced in the stowed position (as shown in FIG. 7A) and the height ‘h’of the changing table frame 12 may be adjusted to make it easy for anadult user to place an infant in the removable carrier 8. The user willplace wheels 44 in their retracted or extended positions based onwhether or not it is desired to rock the bassinet-configured infant careapparatus. The securable restraint in the removable carrier can be usedto keep the infant in the bassinet-configured infant care apparatus, asnecessary.

When it is desired to use the infant care apparatus as a co-sleeper, theheight of the supporting frame may be adjusted to match the height of anadjacent adult bed. As shown in FIG. 10, co-sleeper restraints 108 maybe used to secure the bassinet-configured infant care apparatus to theadult bed. A flat pad 126 is placed between the mattress and box spring(not shown). Flat pad 126 is constructed of a material with a relativelycompliant surface, such as a rubberized mesh screen, that it is held inplace by friction and by the weight of the mattress. Such material iswidely available, and is known to be used as an anti-slip material underrugs, for example. Preferably, pad 126 is constructed to generate atleast 10 pounds of frictional resistance to impede removal from under aconventional, unloaded mattress. Pad 126 is extremely flexible and hasno significant thickness that may be felt above the mattress. Straps 118extend from a near edge of the pad to releasable buckles 122 to securethe frame of the bassinet to the adult bed. The buckles can be quicklydisconnected to move the bassinet away from the bed as needed. In FIG.11, a restraint pillow or padded cushion 110 is inserted between amattress 112 and a box spring 114 or other mattress support. Mattress112 conforms to the shape of restraint pillow 110 and the weight ofmattress 112 holds pillow 110 in place. Straps 118 extend from pillow110 to loop vertical members 52 of the bassinet frame and releasablyconnect to mating buckle halves extending from pillow 110. Theco-sleeper restraint (either pad 126 or cushion 110) can be left inplace in the adult bed even when the infant care apparatus is being usedelsewhere, but readily reattached to the bassinet at bedtime. Again, thesecurable restraint in the removable carrier can be used to keep theinfant in the bassinet-configured infant care apparatus, as necessary.

Referring back to FIG. 1A, removal of the removable carrier 8 from thechanging table stand exposes the changing table surface 16, thusconfiguring the changing table portion as a changing table. An adultuser will adjust the height of the changing table frame 12 to place thechanging table surface 16 at a convenient height for changing an infant.The infant can then be placed on the changing table surface 16 inpreparation for changing its diaper. Although the sidewalls 24 risingabove the changing table surface 16 act to as a safety rim, thesecurable restraint 158 mounted to the changing table portion 4 can alsobe employed to keep the infant on the changing table surface 16.

Referring back to FIG. 1B, the removable carrier 8 can be usedseparately from the changing table portion 4, to carry an infant. Thepivotable handle 94 will be placed in the stowed position to make iteasy for an adult user to place an infant in the removable carrier 8.This can be done with the removable carrier 8 in the engaged positionwith the changing table portion 4 or placed on a stable surface, such asa floor or bed. After the infant is placed in the removable carrier 8,the pivotable handle 94 will then be returned to the carrying position.The securable restraint 198 in the removable carrier will be used tokeep the infant in the infant care apparatus when it is used as acarrier. As discussed above, the removable carrier 8 is collapsible forstorage and/or transport when not in use.

As shown in FIG. 12, the removable carrier 8 can also be used with aseparate stand 130. Stand 130 has two U-shaped frame members 134 thatare pivotably attached to each other and support a stand receivingportion 138 for receiving and supporting the carrier. Each frame member134 has a cross-bar support 140 connecting its two legs for enhancedstructural stability. The two main supports are also connected by braces142 that lock when the main supports 134 are placed in a deployedconfiguration as shown in FIG. 10. When the removable carrier 8 isremoved from the stand 130, braces 142 can be released to collapse theupper ends of frame members 134 toward each other, producing arelatively flat configuration for transportation or storage. Each framemember 134 also has two lockable casters 146 for easy maneuverability ofstand 130.

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described.Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the followingclaims.

1. An infant care apparatus comprising: a structural frame havingspaced-apart rails at an upper end thereof; and a carrier configured tobe laterally constrained when placed on the frame between the rails, thecarrier defining a compartment sized to accommodate an infant sleepingin the carrier while supported by the frame; wherein the carrier isremovable from the frame to expose a changing table surface between therails, the changing table surface secured to the structural frame anddisposed below the carrier when the carrier is resting between therails, the rails extending above the changing table surface to form atleast part of a safety rim above the changing table surface.
 2. Theinfant care apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a restraint securedto the frame and extending above the changing table surface for holdingan infant during changing.
 3. The infant care apparatus of claim 1wherein the carrier comprises a carrier frame having wall membersextending from an infant support member to an upper rim of the carrierto define a receptacle for holding an infant; and a handle attached tothe carrier frame, the handle pivotable between a carrying position inwhich the handle extends relatively perpendicularly from the rim and astowed position in which the handle approaches the rim.
 4. The infantcare apparatus of claim 3 wherein the removable carrier furthercomprises a battery-powered device and the handle comprises a buttonelectrically connected to the battery-powered device for activationthereof.
 5. The infant care apparatus of claim 4 wherein thebattery-powered device comprises a light mounted on the removablecarrier.
 6. The infant care apparatus of claim 4 wherein thebattery-powered device comprises an audio speaker.
 7. The infant careapparatus of claim 1 wherein the carrier comprises a restraint disposedwithin the compartment to secure an infant within the compartment. 8.The infant care apparatus of claim 1 wherein the frame has a lower endconfigured for rocking the apparatus upon a supporting floor.
 9. Theinfant care apparatus of claim 8 wherein the frame is supported onwheels mounted on caster pivots.
 10. The infant care apparatus of claim8 wherein the frame has retractable wheels selectively extendable forrolling of the apparatus upon a supporting floor.
 11. The infant careapparatus of claim 10 wherein the wheels are retractable to enablerocking of the apparatus upon the floor.
 12. The infant care apparatusof claim 1 wherein the frame comprises a framework of connected, tubularsteel members.
 13. The infant care apparatus of claim 1 wherein theframe is adjustable in height.
 14. The infant care apparatus of claim 1wherein the carrier comprises an infant support surface with a head endselectively tiltable with respect to a foot end of the infant supportsurface, for inclining a torso of an infant placed on the supportingsurface.
 15. The infant care apparatus of claim 1 further comprisingmeans to releasably secure the apparatus adjacent a bed.
 16. The infantcare apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an anchor insertablebetween a mattress and mattress support of an adult bed; and at leastone strap extending from the anchor, the strap carrying a releasablefastener for releasably securing the apparatus to the adult bed.
 17. Theinfant care apparatus of claim 16 comprising multiple straps eachseparately securable to or about respective portions of the apparatus.18. The infant care apparatus of claim 16 wherein the anchor comprises arestraint cushion of sufficient thickness that the mattress conformsabout a contour of the cushion to hold the cushion in place.
 19. Theinfant care apparatus of claim 16 wherein the anchor comprises a flat,flexible sheet of material insertable between the mattress and mattresssupport and the flat pad and having a surface that generates sufficientfrictional resistance against the mattress to resist a pull-out force ofat least 10 pounds.
 20. The infant care apparatus of claim 1 wherein thespaced-apart rails of the frame are each elevated above opposite sidesof the safety rim.
 21. The infant care apparatus of claim 1 wherein thespaced-apart rails of the frame are disposed at opposite ends of theapparatus.
 22. The infant care apparatus of claim 1 wherein thespaced-apart rails define pockets at either end of the frame to receiveand laterally restrain the carrier when the carrier is placed betweenthe rails.
 23. The infant care apparatus of claim 1 wherein thespaced-apart rails comprise tubular steel members.
 24. The infant careapparatus of claim 1 wherein the spaced-apart rails are curved.
 25. Aninfant care apparatus including: a changing table portion comprising: achanging table frame including a receiving portion defining an aperturein an upper region of the changing table frame; a changing table surfaceof a size to accommodate an infant, the changing table surface supportedby the changing table frame and arranged within the aperture, sidewallsof the receiving portion rising above an upper surface of the changingtable surface; and a removable carrier of an interior size toaccommodate an infant and an exterior size to fit through the apertureso as to rest in an engaged position on the receiving portion, such thatplacing the removable carrier in the engaged position configures theinfant care apparatus as a bassinet and removing the removable carrierfrom the engaged position exposes the changing table surface for use asa changing table.
 26. The infant care apparatus of claim 25 wherein thechanging table frame comprises a base having a plurality of rockingmembers oriented substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis ofthe changing table frame, and a plurality of longitudinal membersextending between the rocking members, the rocking members each having alower surface together defining an arc for engagement with a floorsupporting the infant care apparatus for rocking.
 27. The infant careapparatus of claim 26 wherein the rocking members each include aplurality of wheels movable between a recessed position, in which thewheels are withdrawn within the arc, and an extended position in whichthe wheels are exposed beyond the arc for engagement against the floor.28. The infant care apparatus of claim 27 wherein the rocking memberseach further comprise a lock engagable to secure the wheels againstmovement between the recessed and extended positions.
 29. The infantcare apparatus of claim 26 wherein the changing table frame isadjustable to change a height of the changing table surface with respectto the floor.
 30. The infant care apparatus of claim 25 wherein thechanging table surface comprises a rigid planar member supported by thechanging table frame in a substantially horizontal position.
 31. Theinfant care apparatus of claim 30 wherein the changing table surfacefurther comprises a pad with a non-absorbent upper surface overlying theplanar member.
 32. The infant care apparatus of claim 31 wherein the padis detachable from the planar member for washing.
 33. The infant careapparatus of claim 25 wherein the changing table surface comprises asling suspended from and spanning a top portion of the changing tableframe.
 34. The infant care apparatus of claim 33 wherein the sling has anon-absorbent upper surface.
 35. The infant care apparatus of claim 33wherein the sling is removable for washing.
 36. The infant careapparatus of claim 25 further including an infant restraint mounted tothe changing table portion and securable to keep an infant on thechanging table surface.
 37. The infant care apparatus of claim 25wherein the removable carrier comprises a carrier frame supporting anupper rim from which an infant receptacle depends.
 38. The infant careapparatus of claim 37 wherein the removable carrier further comprises ahandle attached to the carrier frame, the handle pivotable between acarrying position in which the handle extends relatively perpendicularto the rim, and a stowed position in which the handle is disposedadjacent the rim.
 39. The infant care apparatus of claim 38 wherein theremovable carrier further comprises a battery-powered device and thehandle comprises a button electrically connected to the battery-powereddevice for activation thereof.
 40. The infant care apparatus of claim 39wherein the battery-powered device comprises a light mounted on theremovable carrier.
 41. The infant care apparatus of claim 39 wherein thebattery-powered device comprises an audio speaker.
 42. The infant careapparatus of claim 25 wherein the removable carrier is collapsiblebetween an expanded position, in which the frame forms an upper rimspanning an open receptacle for receiving an infant, and a collapsedposition in which opposite sides of the rim are pivoted toward oneanother.
 43. The infant care apparatus of claim 42 further comprising alock operable to maintain the carrier in its expanded position, andreleasable to fold the carrier to its collapsed position.
 44. The infantcare apparatus of claim 25 wherein the removable carrier comprises aninfant restraint securable to retain an infant in the removable carrier.45. The infant care apparatus of claim 25 further comprising an anchorinsertable between a mattress and mattress support of an adult bed; andat least one strap extending from the anchor, the strap carrying areleasable fastener for releasably securing the apparatus to the adultbed.
 46. The infant care apparatus of claim 45 comprising multiplestraps each separately securable to or about respective portions of theapparatus.
 47. The infant care apparatus of claim 45 wherein the anchorcomprises a restraint cushion of sufficient thickness that the mattressconforms about a contour of the cushion to hold the cushion in place.48. The infant care apparatus of claim 45 wherein the anchor comprises aflat, flexible sheet of material insertable between the mattress andmattress support and the flat pad and having a surface that generatessufficient frictional resistance against the mattress to resist apull-out force of at least 10 pounds with the mattress unloaded.
 49. Amethod of securing an infant bed to an adult bed, the method comprisingplacing an anchor mat between a mattress of the adult bed and asupporting surface on which the mattress rests, the anchor matcomprising a flexible sheet of material with an upper surface exposedfor engagement against the mattress, the upper surface configured togenerate frictional resistance against the mattress to resist relativesliding of the mat against the mattress, the anchor mat being otherwiseunsecured to the mattress; and then releasably connecting the infant bedto the anchor mat.
 50. The method of claim 49 wherein the infant bed isreleasably connected to the anchor mat by releasable buckles secured tostraps attached to the anchor mat.
 51. The method of claim 49 whereinthe anchor mat is padded, the mattress conforming about a thickness ofthe anchor mat.
 52. The method of claim 49 wherein the anchor matconsists essentially of a flexible sheet of material and two releasablestraps secured to and extending from an edge of the sheet of material.53. The method of claim 49 wherein the anchor mat is sized to fitcompletely within an area of a standard adult twin mattress.
 54. Themethod of claim 49 wherein the anchor generates sufficient frictionalresistance against the mattress to resist a pull-out force of at least10 pounds with the mattress unloaded.
 55. An infant care apparatuscomprising: an infant carrier defining therein a compartment sized toaccommodate a sleeping infant; and a structural frame configured toreceive and support the infant carrier to form a bassinet, and to rockupon a supporting surface while supporting the carrier; wherein thecarrier includes a restraint securable about an infant within thecompartment to retain the infant as the carrier is carried; and a handleselectively retractable from a deployed position extending above andspanning a rim of the carrier for carrying the carrier with an infanttherein, to a retracted position folded toward the carrier rim.
 56. Theinfant care apparatus of claim 55 wherein the carrier includes abackrest selectively movable between an inclined position and a proneposition.
 57. The infant care apparatus of claim 55 wherein the frameincludes an upper planar surface exposed for use as a changing tablesurface with the carrier removed, the frame forming a rim extendingabove and about the planar surface.
 58. The infant care apparatus ofclaim 55 wherein the handle is secured to opposite sides of the carrierrim at respective pivots.
 59. The infant care apparatus of claim 58wherein the pivots are located near centers of the opposite sides of thecarrier rim, such that the handle extends across a central region of thecarrier in its deployed position, for carrying of the carrier solely bythe handle.
 60. The infant care apparatus of claim 55 wherein the frameincludes spaced-apart carrier restraints at an upper end thereof, andwherein the carrier is configured to engage the restraints to resistlateral movement when placed on the frame.
 61. The infant care apparatusof claim 60 wherein the carrier restraints define pockets at either endof the frame, the pockets being sized to receive lower frame members ofthe carrier with the carrier placed on the frame.
 62. An infant careapparatus comprising: a structural frame adjustable in height andcomprising a framework of connected, tubular steel members, the frameincluding curved tubular steel members forming spaced-apart rails at anupper end of the frame, the spaced-apart rails disposed at opposite endsof the apparatus and defining pockets at either end of the frame, theframe having a lower end configured for rocking the apparatus upon asupporting floor and having retractable wheels selectively extendablefor rolling of the apparatus upon the supporting floor; and a carrierconfigured to be laterally constrained when placed within the pocketsdefined by the rails, the carrier defining a compartment sized toaccommodate an infant sleeping in the carrier while supported by theframe, and including a restraint disposed within the compartment tosecure an infant within the compartment; wherein the carrier isremovable from the supports to expose a changing table surface betweenthe rails, the changing table surface secured to the structural frameand disposed below the carrier when the carrier is resting between therails, the rails extending above the changing table surface to form atleast part of a safety rim above the changing table surface.